Names | |
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IUPAC name
Methyllithium
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Other names
Lithium methanide
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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3587162 | |
ChEBI | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.011.843 |
EC Number |
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288 | |
PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
CH3Li | |
Molar mass | 21.98 g·mol−1 |
Reacts | |
Hazards | |
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards
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pyrophoric |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Methyllithium is the simplest organolithium reagent, with the empirical formula CH3Li. This s-block organometallic compound adopts an oligomeric structure both in solution and in the solid state. This highly reactive compound, invariably used in solution with an ether as the solvent, is a reagent in organic synthesis as well as organometallic chemistry. Operations involving methyllithium require anhydrous conditions, because the compound is highly reactive towards water. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are also incompatible with MeLi. Methyllithium is usually not prepared, but purchased as a solution in various ethers.